Analytics, Financial Services, Latvia, Markets and Companies, Woodwork

The notable growth in the purchase prices of veneer logs can be explained with the increasing demand for this type of timber in production of birch plywood, sawn timber and furniture. Veneer logs have reached large sales volumes both on the Latvian and foreign markets due to the development of the construction sector and availability of credits. 

Compared to the 2^nd half of 2013, purchase prices of category A veneer logs have increased on average by 22 euros/m³ without VAT or by 33%. Purchase prices of category B veneer logs in the 2^nd half of 2014 compared to the 1^st half of 2014 grew on average by 2% or by 1 euro/m³ without VAT.

In the 2^nd half of 2014 as compared to the 1^st half of 2014 the greatest drop in the coniferous round timber sector was recorded for pine sawlogs with the diameter over 26 cm – on average of 5% or 4 euros/m³ without VAT. Purchase prices of pine sawlogs with the diameter of 14 – 18 cm did not change and were 69 euros/m³ without VAT. Compared to the previous period purchase prices of spruce sawlogs with the diameter of 18 – 26 cm and 14 – 18 cm decreased by 2% or on average by 1 – 2 euros/m³ without VAT depending on the round timber diameter.

Compared to the 1^st half of 2014 the average purchase prices of birch sawlogs with the diameter of 18 – 24 cm in the 2^nd half of 2014 grew on average by 4% or by 2 euros/m³ without VAT.

Purchase prices of black alder sawlogs with the diameter over 24 cm grew by 7% or on average by 3 euros/m³ without VAT. In turn, purchase prices of black alder sawlogs with the diameter of 18 – 24 cm dropped by 6% or on average by 2 euros/ m³ without VAT. Purchase prices of asp sawlogs have increased slightly – on average by 2%.

Average purchase prices of round timber by tree species and timber type, euros/m3 without VAT

Purchase prices of coniferous tree sawlogs, euros/m3 without VAT

Over the last two years the average purchase prices of deciduous tree veneer logs did not change and were on average 37 euros/m³ without VAT.

Purchase prices of deciduous tree sawlogs, veneer logs and packing timber, euros/m3 without VAT

More information on round timber purchase prices is available in the CSB database section Forestry.